What is Secure Boot?
Secure Boot is a crucial security feature for your PC. It ensures that your computer boots using only software trusted by the manufacturer. This means that only approved programs are allowed to run during the startup process, preventing unauthorized software from loading and potentially compromising your system’s integrity. Riot Vanguard, Valorant’s anti-cheat system, requires Secure Boot to function properly.
Prerequisites
- Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
- Hardware Support: Your motherboard needs to support both Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Check your motherboard manual for details.
- Vanguard Installed and Updated: Ensure Riot Vanguard is installed and up-to-date on your system. An outdated or corrupted Vanguard installation can trigger the error.
Step-By-Step Solutions to Fix Valorant Secure Boot Error
This guide details common troubleshooting steps to resolve the Valorant Secure Boot error. Follow each step carefully. Be sure to access your computer’s BIOS correctly, as incorrect steps can lead to further problems.
Check Secure Boot Status
To check if Secure Boot is enabled, use the System Information utility. (Open it using Win + R, type ‘msinfo32’, and press Enter). Look for the “Secure Boot State”. If it says “On”, then Secure Boot is active. If it says “Off” or “Unsupported”, you’ll need to enable it in your BIOS.
Enable Secure Boot in BIOS
- Access BIOS: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (often Del, F2, F10, or F12) to enter the BIOS setup utility. This will vary by motherboard manufacturer.
- Locate Settings: Navigate to the Boot or Security section of the BIOS settings.
- Enable Secure Boot: Find the option for Secure Boot and enable it. You may also need to select UEFI boot mode if you’re currently using Legacy boot mode.
- Save Changes: Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your computer will restart.
Check TPM 2.0 Status
TPM 2.0 is another crucial component needed for Valorant’s anti-cheat. To check its status, open the TPM.msc utility (Win + R, type ‘tpm.msc’, Enter). If the Status says “TPM is ready for use”, then TPM is working. If it’s disabled, you must enable it in your BIOS.
BIOS Firmware Update
Outdated BIOS firmware can cause incompatibility issues. Download the latest BIOS update for your motherboard from the manufacturer’s website, and install it following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Reinstall Riot Vanguard
A corrupted or outdated Riot Vanguard installation can cause the Secure Boot error. Uninstall and reinstall Vanguard through the Windows Programs and Features section. After reinstalling, restart your computer.
Reset Secure Boot Keys
Occasionally, resetting the Secure Boot keys to default settings can resolve the problem. Access your BIOS, locate the Secure Boot settings, and look for an option to reset the keys. Save and restart your system.
Make Sure UEFI Boot Mode is Activated
If Secure Boot remains disabled, ensure UEFI Boot Mode is active. Use Disk Management (Win + X, select Disk Management) to check your partition style (MBR or GPT). If your partition style is MBR but Secure Boot requires GPT, convert your drive to GPT. Once converted, configure UEFI Boot Mode in your BIOS.
Fix Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can cause conflicts with Secure Boot. Use the built-in System File Checker tool (`sfc /scannow`) in an elevated Command Prompt. This will scan and automatically repair any corrupted system files.
Update Windows
Windows updates often include critical security patches and improvements. Ensure your Windows operating system is up-to-date to address compatibility issues with Secure Boot and TPM.
Reinstall Valorant
A final step is to reinstall Valorant. Uninstall Valorant using Windows programs. Delete any remaining game files from the install directory. Download and reinstall a fresh copy from the Riot Games website.
Conclusion
The Valorant Secure Boot error frequently stems from incorrect configuration of essential security features on your computer. The troubleshooting steps described above provide a systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, BIOS firmware, and Valorant installation files. If you’ve tried these solutions and the error persists, contact Riot Games support for assistance.
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